Fully Promoted Recognizes Female Franchisee Success Stories in Honor of International Women's Day

    WEST PALM BEACH, FL, March 07, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cristina Bertero and Jo-Anne Reeger are Fully Promoted franchise owners who represent the strong, independent, entrepreneurial spirit that has made female leadership so important in today's competitive business landscape. Their hard work, determination, and creativity also reflects how the Fully Promoted business model helps franchisees of all kinds to realize success on their own terms and make a distinctive impact within their communities. On International Women's Day, Friday, March 8, Fully Promoted, a brand of United Franchise Group, honors their contributions.

"This is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women," said Fully Promoted President, Mike Brugger. "Both Cristina and Jo-Anne have been role models who exemplify what our brand is all about and inspire others to achieve all that is possible. Their entrepreneurial accomplishments are definitely Fully Promoted success stories."

Bertero was an attorney in her native Brazil and came to this country 25 years ago not knowing the language or understanding the culture. Today, she is Vice President of Fully Promoted Cleveland (West).

"Being an entrepreneur is a very solitary position," she said. "I started the business nearly 18 years ago and found that developing good relationships with other entrepreneurs was a great way to make sure you go down the right path." Highlights along Bertero's journey included learning English, adopting a new social culture, building a strong personal and professional network, and transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to the owner of a business.

"I can't stress enough the importance of leadership and mentoring, because as a business owner, you need the right mindset, drive, and patience to be successful. Some days will be challenging, but that's what makes it so satisfying to celebrate achievements, both large and small."

As a certified minority business owner, Bertero has several certifications with the city, county, and state, and is a member of the North Coast Leaders & Entrepreneurs. She also sits on the board of The President's Council Chamber of Commerce. At a recent certification workshop, Bertero was invited by one of the biggest buyers in Cleveland to attend a one-on-one buyer/future supplier meeting which may develop into major business for her company. This year, Cristina also "received an order for $38,000"—the single largest order since she started the business. Her charisma and ability to interact with others is a true strength and it's reflected in a sign in her office that reads, in part, "Grab your customer's heart first." That is what Cristina Bertero has been doing for nearly two decades.

Jo-Anne Reeger was a former registered nurse who spent 25 years caring for those in need. Now she is taking care of those in need in a totally different capacity—as owner of the Fully Promoted franchises in Conroe and Woodlands, Texas. She's owned the business for 15 years, and through the highs and lows, her franchise has become one of the brand's most successful stores.

"I knew I had the leadership skills, but I didn't have an ounce of business experience, so seeing the franchise grow has been very exciting," said Jo-Anne. "I didn't think I had the necessary skills and talent to run a business, but my husband and I took a leap of faith and purchased an EmbroidMe franchise." Now known as Fully Promoted, she says the brand opened new avenues for her. "I am so impressed because all franchisees are encouraged to take leadership roles," she said. "They allowed me to expand in that role to where I now mentor others, helping them stay on track toward building their own successful franchises. It's really something I enjoy doing."

The Fully Promoted culture stresses a dedication to making customers happy—and going above and beyond when necessary. "I have a great team of employees - one young man that started with me 15 years ago is still here," Reeger said. "We're all in this together as a team and that mentality has helped us grow and become successful."

The future agenda for her franchise is two-fold: grow sales and possibly open a small office in another portion of her area for client convenience. In her 60s, Jo-Anne is also planning an exit strategy. "When you're my age you have to think about the succession of the business," she said. "Maybe two or three years from now, I can slowly step back and let my daughter, who is our store manager, run the business. That's a good motivator for me, because being in business so long you can never rest on your laurels."

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